Pumpkin Pie Bars
Imagine sinking your teeth into a delectable dessert that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also supports your health goals. Enter Pumpkin Pie Bars, a mouthwatering treat that is both delicious and Paleo-friendly. Packed with the warm flavors of seasonal spices and the creamy goodness of pumpkin, these bars offer a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy while staying on track with your wellness journey. Say goodbye to any reservations about indulging in a sweet treat and say hello to a dessert that is as delightful to your taste buds as it is to your body.
Ingredients
Crust
To make the perfect pumpkin pie bars, you’ll need a delicious crust to hold everything together. The crust is made with a combination of almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The almond flour adds a nutty flavor and a lovely texture, while the coconut flour helps to bind everything together. The coconut oil and maple syrup provide moisture and sweetness, while the vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth.
Filling
The filling is the star of the show when it comes to pumpkin pie bars. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with all the deliciousness of pumpkin spice. To make the filling, you’ll need pumpkin puree, coconut milk, eggs, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. The pumpkin puree gives the bars that unmistakable pumpkin flavor, while the coconut milk adds a rich and creamy texture. The eggs help to bind everything together and give the bars a light and fluffy consistency. The coconut sugar adds sweetness without being overly sugary, and the pumpkin pie spice provides warmth and a delightful aroma.
Topping
To add the perfect finishing touch to your pumpkin pie bars, you’ll need a delicious topping. The topping is made from a combination of almond flour, coconut sugar, coconut oil, pecans, and cinnamon. The almond flour adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor, while the coconut sugar provides a subtle sweetness. The coconut oil helps to bind everything together and adds a lovely richness. The pecans add a delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness, and the cinnamon adds a warm and comforting aroma.
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Before you begin making your pumpkin pie bars, preheat your oven to the specified temperature. This step is important to ensure that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden brown.
Make the Crust
To make the crust for your pumpkin pie bars, start by combining the almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix everything together until well combined and a dough-like consistency forms. Press the mixture firmly into a greased baking dish, making sure to evenly distribute it across the bottom. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for a few minutes until it is lightly golden brown.
Prepare the Filling
While the crust is baking, it’s time to prepare your delicious pumpkin filling. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, coconut milk, eggs, coconut sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. Once the crust is lightly golden brown, remove it from the oven and pour the filling over the crust. Spread the filling evenly across the crust, making sure to cover every inch.
Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish with the crust and filling back into the oven and bake for the specified amount of time. This will allow the filling to set and the bars to bake to perfection. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook or burn. Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before adding the topping.
Add the Topping
While the bars are cooling, it’s time to prepare the delicious topping. In a small bowl, mix together the almond flour, coconut sugar, coconut oil, pecans, and cinnamon until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly and slightly moist. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cooled bars, making sure to cover them completely.
Bake Again
Place the bars with the topping back into the oven and bake for a short time until the topping is lightly golden brown. This will toast the pecans and add a delightful crunch to your bars. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve
Once the bars are done baking with the topping, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. This is an important step as it allows the bars to set and ensures that they hold together when cut into. Once cooled, carefully slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve. You can enjoy them as they are, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tips
Use a Food Processor
When making the crust and topping for your pumpkin pie bars, using a food processor can make the process much easier and ensure that all the ingredients are well combined. Simply add the ingredients to the food processor and pulse until everything is mixed together. This will save you time and effort and result in a perfectly blended crust and topping.
Choose High-Quality Ingredients
To ensure that your pumpkin pie bars are as delicious as possible, it’s important to choose high-quality ingredients. Look for organic, non-GMO products whenever possible. This will ensure that your bars are free from any unwanted additives and have the best flavor.
Let the Bars Cool Completely
While it may be tempting to dive right into your freshly baked pumpkin pie bars, it’s important to let them cool completely before cutting into them. This will allow the bars to set and hold together, preventing them from falling apart when served. Patience is key when it comes to enjoying a perfect slice of pumpkin goodness!
Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream
For an extra special touch, serve your pumpkin pie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. The creaminess of the whipped cream or ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful pumpkin bars, creating a dessert that is truly indulgent and satisfying.
Substitutions
Nut-Free Option
If you have a nut allergy or prefer to avoid nuts, you can easily make a nut-free version of these pumpkin pie bars. Simply replace the almond flour in the crust and topping with an equal amount of a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or another type of grain-free flour. This will give you a similar texture and taste without compromising on flavor.
Dairy-Free Option
To make these pumpkin pie bars dairy-free, you can substitute the coconut milk with any non-dairy milk of your choice, such as almond milk or oat milk. This will give you a creamy filling that is free from any animal products.
Sweetener Alternatives
If you prefer to use a different sweetener in your pumpkin pie bars, you can easily substitute the coconut sugar with another natural sweetener such as maple syrup or honey. Just be sure to adjust the amount accordingly, as different sweeteners have different levels of sweetness.
Storage
Refrigeration
To store your pumpkin pie bars, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you would like to make these pumpkin pie bars in advance or have leftovers that you want to save for later, you can freeze them. Simply place the bars in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin puree without any added flavors or spices. Canned pumpkin is a convenient option and will give you the same great taste and texture as homemade pumpkin puree.
Can I use a different type of flour for the crust?
Yes, you can use a different type of flour for the crust if you prefer. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends, such as a mix of rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch, can be a good substitute. Experiment with different flours to find the one that suits your taste and dietary needs.
Can I replace the eggs in this recipe?
If you need to make these pumpkin pie bars egg-free, you can try using a flax or chia egg as a substitute. To make a flax or chia egg, simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like, then use it as you would a regular egg.
How long will the bars stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, these pumpkin pie bars will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If frozen, they will keep well for up to 3 months. Be sure to follow the storage instructions provided to maintain the best quality and flavor.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, you can make these pumpkin pie bars in advance. They are perfect for preparing ahead of time for special occasions or when you want to have a delicious dessert on hand. Simply follow the recipe instructions, let the bars cool completely, and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to serve. Just be sure to thaw the bars before serving if frozen.
Conclusion
With this delicious recipe for pumpkin pie bars, you can enjoy the flavors of fall in a convenient and easy-to-make dessert. The combination of the almond flour crust, creamy pumpkin filling, and crunchy topping creates a dessert that is both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re following a paleo diet or simply looking for a tasty treat, these pumpkin pie bars are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn. Enjoy!
